BRADFORD BULLDOGS’ player-coach Dave Williams is expecting another tough challenge when his team entertain NIHL North Two rivals Sheffield Scimitars 2 this weekend.
The Bulldogs go into the game on the back of two defeats having opened their 2026-27 campaign in style with a 7-4 home win over Kingston Sharks.
But a 4-2 defeat at Coventry NIHL Blaze followed by last week’s 9-4 reverse at home to unbeaten leaders and reigning champions Sutton Sting have left the Bulldogs in need of points quickly to keep up with the leading teams.
Sheffield are one of three teams unbeaten so far this season - along with Sutton and Coventry - winning all three of their games so far.
Last year’s regular season runners-up arrive at Bradford Ice Arena fresh from a 9-2 home win over Nottingham Lions and Williams anticipates a fierce test of his team’s credentials against a team they failed to get the better of in three meetings last season.
“Sheffield will present just as much of a challenge to us as Sutton did last week,” said Williams.
“They have made a good start to the season so far and again look like being one of the top teams in the league.
“We have ambitions of being up there alongside them so Sunday will provide another good marker as to where we’re at.”
Last Sunday showed the Bulldogs have work to do if they are to be a contender at the top end of the table after coming off second-best against the Sting.
A poor start saw the Bulldogs 6-0 down inside the first 25 minutes, leaving themselves far too much to do in order to salvage anything from the game.
Chris Waites and Lucas Vince restored some pride with second period strikes and the third period was a more even affair, Connor Medley and Vince with his second of the night ensuring the hosts showed some punch in the latter stages.
Williams added: “We competed with Sutton for large parts of the game and created plenty of opportunities - but they took full advantage of the mistakes we made.
“Against a team like that, you simply can’t afford to switch off.”
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